Though Lindsey, 28, and Matt, 32, met in 2003, when she was a freshman and he was a senior at Bucknell, it wasn't until a Homecoming weekend after she'd graduated that their friendship (and her self-described "huge crush") turned into something more.

When Matt knew it was time to propose, he'd planned to pop the question on top of Table Mountain during the couple's trip to South Africa. However, concerns about bringing the ring through airport security (and thereby blowing the surprise) prompted him to propose before they left. So, after a broken-down car pushed his plan back yet another day, Matt got down on one knee in the couple's dining room and asked Lindsey to be his wife.

The couple, who'd originally wanted a backyard BBQ before Lindsey's father talked them into a country club reception, combined shades of white and green, burlap runners and lots of candlelight to bring the outdoors in. With help from family and friends–and a few DIY projects–on July 27th, 2012, they had the simple, sweet wedding they'd dreamed of, with an elegant twist.

A college friend of Lindsey's works at Kleinfeld's in New York City, so choosing a place to go dress shopping was a no-brainer. Lindsey's friend knew exactly what the bride wanted, entering the fitting room with a backless lace gown by Pnina Tornai. Cork peep-toe pumps gave her bridal ensemble a natural flair.

The simple silhouette of Lindsey's lace gown was accentuated by the dramatic keyhole back. Her loose up-do let the dress's details speak for themselves. Matt's Black by Vera Wang tuxedo was a classic, timeless choice, while his white Vans gave his outfit a dose of personality.

Printed programs outlined all of the details for Lindsey and Matt's ceremony. Instead of flower girls, Lindsey's two best guy friends served as "flower boys." At 6'5" and 6', they were hard to miss as they tossed petals on their way down the aisle!

The church's soft blue walls, vaulted ceiling and checkered tile floor created a light, airy backdrop for the couple's traditional Catholic ceremony. Buckets overflowing with baby's breath were the only things Matt and Lindsey added to the church's décor.

A vintage Rolls Royce with a burlap "just married" sign brought the bride and groom from the ceremony to the reception. Says Lindsey, "People beeped at us and waved our entire drive to the reception and I can whole heartedly say that that was our favorite moment of the night." She also loved that their private ride gave her a few minutes alone with her new husband.

At the end of the evening, Lindsey and Matt released a wish lantern. "It was the best day of our lives. Words cannot describe how amazing that day was," says Lindsey. "It meant so much to be with my mom and mother-in-law, and to dance with my dad. It made Matt and me both realize that weddings are just as important to the family as they are to the couple."